Why Now Is the Time to Stock Base Mix

The clock is ticking on affordable DIY vaping in the UK. With the Tobacco & Vapes Bill making its way through Parliament, the cost of base liquids- VG (vegetable glycerine), PG (propylene glycol), and Base Mix-is about to change dramatically, and not in your favour.

What's Happening to Base Mix Prices?

The UK government's planned vape tax doesn't target just nicotine, but instead covers all e-liquid components, including nicotine-free base. At the proposed rate of £0.22/ml, here's what that means in real terms:

Unfortunately, you did read that right. A £9 litre of base will carry £200+ in tax alone.

Why Stock Up on Base Mix Now?

Once the Tobacco & Vapes Bill becomes law (expected within the next year) these prices become reality.

Right now, you can still:

• Buy Base Mix at pre-tax prices
• Store base liquids long-term (VG and PG both have excellent shelf lives when stored properly)
• Protect yourself from future price shocks

Base Mix doesn't go off quickly. Stored in a cool, dark place with the cap sealed, pharmaceutical-grade VG and PG can last two to three years without degradation, perhaps longer in a freezer.

How Much Base Mix Should You Stock?

Think about your current usage. If you mix 500ml of e-liquid per month and use a 70/30 VG/PG ratio, that's:

• 500ml Base per month = 6 litres per year

A two-year supply would be roughly 12 litres of Base Mix. At today's prices, that's an investment of around £100. After the tax? You'd be looking at well over £2,500 for the same amount.

The DIY Advantage

DIY mixing has always been the smartest way to vape. You control the flavours, the nicotine strength, and the cost. But that cost advantage disappears if Base Mix becomes a luxury item.

The vapers who stock up on base now are the ones who'll still be mixing affordably in 2027 and beyond. Everyone else will be paying through the nose, or worse, priced out of vaping entirely.

What We're Doing at DarkStar

We're committed to keeping DIY vaping accessible for as long as we possibly can. Our base range; VG, PG, and Base Mix, remains competitively priced, pharmaceutical grade, and ready to ship. 

We're not hiking prices ahead of the tax, but we also can't promise how long current stock levels will last as more vapers wake up to what's coming.

We’re not encouraging panic-buying: This is about stocking up and being prepared.

Ready to Stock Up on Base?

Browse our range of VG Base, PG Base, and Premixed Base Mix — and consider grabbing more than your usual order. Your future self will thank you.

For more on what the Tobacco & Vapes Bill means for UK vapers, read our full breakdown: The Vape Tax Update